Illegal picking-up
Page 29
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• A Welsh coach operator was already, illegally, picking-up passengers at a point for which he was applying and had been for a number of years, it was alleged in Chester last week. Hancocks (Old Colwyn) Ltd. was asking for eight new picking-up points and four new extended tours.
It sought seven-day tours to Lakes and Scotland, Folkestone and St. Leonards, and Torquay and a five-day to London to operate between Easter and October. The existing authorized points were in Colwyn Bay Borough, and four each to the west and east of the boundary were being applied for, said Mr. C. Davies for the company. Out of 417 passengers carried on its 14 extended tours in 1968, 256 came from outside the borough so there would be no abstraction from other operators, he submitted.
Mr. T. H. Jones, Hancocks' managing director, said it was difficult to obtain hotel accommodation for one or two nights since main resort hoteliers now wanted bookings of four to six nights. The new tours would cater for longer stays as had been requested by older passengers.
Hancocks' 1968 brochure had advertised three of the new tours. The application for them had been adjourned on May 22, at the company's request, and dispensation had been granted for the operation of the Torquay tour on May 25 but was refused regarding St. Leon ards and Folkestone on August 31.
The Commissioners' chairman, Mr. C. R. Hodgson, said the application was refused and that the company must make applications in good time and not, having preadvertised tours, "blackmail" the Commissioners into granting a dispensation because passengers had already booked. He said Mr. Hancock was responsible for seeing his drivers did not violate licence conditions by unauthorized picking-up.